On May 4, 2021, Mother Tree Project Lead Dr. Suzanne Simard will release her first book, Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest.
In this moving and powerful memoir, Dr. Simard writes of her own life and research, weaving together her scientific discoveries and insights about tree communication with her deeply personal story of love and loss.
You can find out more about Suzanne’s book on her website at suzannesimard.com. If you’re interested in receiving updates about her upcoming book, you can sign up for her personal email list or follow her on Instagram.
I literally have been waiting for years for Dr. Simard to write a book!
I think this book is already a bestseller. I for one bought it even before it was released and I am looking forward receiving it. This is so important and I hope it will eventually stop this clear-cutting that has been going on for more than 5 decades now, destroying the whole cycle of life on which we depend.
I just finished reading Dr. Simard’s book. I went into the experience with some nonexpert knowledge of her work and emerged from it grateful for her gift of a deeper understanding of the beautiful BC forests and so deeply impressed by her strength, tenacity, and insightfulness. Highly recommended reading.
I just finished the book. Thank you Dr. Simard for this life’s work contribution to mankind. I came to this by way of Overstory & Hidden Life of Trees. Delightful pathway.
I am a naturalist who lives in Maine where we are decimating our forests… I just finished the book and didn’t want it to end. I have loved trees all my life and as a writer continue to advocate for them. I would love to be part of this Mother Tree Project as a citizen scientist …. Perhaps someone could direct me to where I can find information on this issue. Suzanne ranks up there with Jane Goodall and Rachel Carson as heroines of mine.
Hi
Finishing up ‘Finding the Mother Tree”. What the author describes in the first is what I felt about the forests in my New England home in Massachusetts. Thank you for all the work you do to bring to the world, the discoveries of the successful, inter-related intelligent life of the forests. Defining this world according to human behaviors is not the truth…it’s ‘seeing’ this world as it is that is crucial. Hugs to all.
Thank you Dr Suzanne Simard for your life’s work. We need it.
I read Finding the Mother Tree book. Is there a way to volunteer on this project? I have a BS in biology and up to orals in Pharmacology and have been a scientific writer for over 28 years.
Thank you! A book of hope and a good read on every level – scientific discovery, personal story and Canadian life. It deserves to be widely read.
reading it now. WOW, such depth of exploration – love that. A real treat to be so educated by someone who has REALLY done all this, herself. BRILLIANT….WELL DONE…..CHEERS …..
I’m loving your book; am on the Sunshine Coast, DAVIS BAY…Is there a group out here that I could join??
Really would like to – with like minded folks – walks in the Forests here, with a knowledgeable leader.
Anyone doing this?? If not, I’d participate in some way. Do contact me. Jacqueline Rich 778 977-9772
https://www.livingforestinstitute.ca/ is active on the Sunshine Coast.
Heidi, thanks for the reference but we are far from Canada – the Gulf Coast of Florida is ALSO known as the Suncoast.
I’ll text you in the next few days. I’m right off of Sarasota Bay. I don’t have any knowledge of other folks who could act as guides but, two heads are better than one so, maybe we can come up with something. Val in Sarasota
I just finished this book, purchased immediately after hearing Dr. Simard interviewed on National Public Radio. It moved me to tears, excitement and gratitude for documenting, in scientific language, what so many peoples of the world understand which is that we are all a part of nature, that life is connected and thrives in cooperation and collaboration and that we can heal ourselves by taking this understanding deep into ourselves. I think she has demonstrated that as we become members of our ecosystems we can assist in their healing as well.
Amen! I have just finished reading “Finding the Mother Tree”. It is a spectacular journey into the inner workings of a forest and an inspiring, soulful, spot-on forester. Your work aligns perfectly with our mission of putting forest ecosystem health first. We would love to join the The Mother Tree Project and bring it to Vermont. We are working with over 185 family forest holders with over 20,000 acres and we hold over 800 acres of permanently-conserved forever wild forests. We are already using Dr. Simard’s research to inform our family forest conservation plans. How can we help? Thank you and “May the forest be with you!”
This book made me laugh, cry and want to hug all of the thousands of trees my husband and I live among in the woods of northern Virginia. We have poplars, oak, maple, beech, black walnut and others whose names I don’t yet know but am inspired now to research, because of your brilliant, heartfelt book. Thank you for your honesty and compassionate understanding of the forests we need to revere, learn from and care for as part of the subtle chain of life that connects us all.
I just finished this book and want so much to find a similar project in the northeastern US. We have 80 acres which we are trying to turn into a tree farm during our retirement, planting 1200 hardwoods, oak, maple, walnut, and cherry, and 300 larch and spruce on pastureland. We have used weedmats instead of Round Up, and used 5 foot grow tubes as a defense against the deer. I’d like to connect with others who have experience with this, particularly this year, where we’ve had the driest June in many years.
This is a fabulous book. Your evidence supports what I have long believed. Thank you for your perseverance in the face of considerable obstruction. Take care of yourself. You are a keeper.
just finished the book, mind opening and gives me hope for future! I love concept that our forests/plants and world are connected via a fungal network, with a global consciousness.
I am inspired by this book. I am semi-retired and have moved to 3 acres in Virginia. We have many (200-300? I cannot count them) trees. I am learning how to respect them, know their names, harvest those that are sick, heat my house with them. I need to learn much more. Clearly we live in communion with them, and all living things. We need them as they need us. Suzanne Simard has done all of us a great service. Courageous and smart, that would have been enough. But she also writes with lyricism!
I enjoyed the book as much as I loved E.O. Wilson’s “The Diversity of Life” which included a chapter (Unmined Riches) on how tropical rainforests could be carefully and profitably exploited. In both cases, a willingness to learn from tribal peoples and their traditional methods stand out; they are not only saner than the greed is good brigade but may even make more economic sense. Many thanks Professor.
I also heard Dr. Simard speak on NPR and another podcast and ordered a book for me and my sister. I also lived in the Maine forest for over 40 years feeling the pull of the trees but could not explain the connection but now I know why. Thank you for sharing your research with us and like others, it has changed my life. Now I am in dry California where the balance of nature appears to have tipped.
I just finished reading “Finding the Mother Tree” and didn’t want it to end, and of course, the vital work to understand and protect the forests of our world continues. It makes me wonder what is happening in the Amazon, Borneo, Africa’s jungles, all the forests of the world that give us life, food, oxygen, hope. I develop gardens with schools and health projects for improving people’s connections to nature and healthy food. I plant trees at school for food and shade and would love to know how to support more mycorrhizal fungi on school grounds where so often the subsoil has been put on top during school construction and the ground is terribly compacted. I am using organic root stimulators on these trees and fish fertilizer but it would be wonderful to have a better knowledge of the best fertilizers to use when planting trees with kids. Maybe Dr Simard and her students could develop an inoculant that we could buy and the profits could support the forest restoration work. When I did a hole on school grounds to plant a tree and there is not one worm or bug I am really concerned for the zero life zone for that tree and for the kids also.
I just finished this book this morning. I’m just an ordinary woman who loves trees. I was so taken with the story of how the trees interact and care for one another. I admired Suzanne for her perseverance and dedication. I wish everyone would read this story.
LOVED THIS BOOK!!! As a tree hugger I have always been laughed at but I know now that that connection I have with trees is more important than I knew or expected. I am so glad that science has proven that we need these giants of the forest to heal the planet. I hope and pray that foresters and researchers continue to explore ways to answer our most urgent climate change issues. I really feel that we should send a copy of this book to every member of the US Congress and make it a required reading for those policy makers now and in the future.
Loved this book from page one through day two. Just couldn’t put it down. Kept thinking of the book Entangled as I was reading. What a body of work, a labor of love and a lifetime! Suzanne, you da Mom!
Just finished Finding the Mother Tree! What a beautiful and profound journey into the beating heart of the forest. Thank you Dr Simard for sharing it with us in such an eloquent and accessible way.
Thank you, Suzanne, for sharing your story. I just finished reading it and I am so moved. Thank you for leading the way and reminding us how important it is to connect with nature. I would love to take part and help with the Mother Tree project. Thanks again – you’re my hero!
Just finished reading the book … LOVE LOVE LOVE IT !!!! thank you soooo much <3
Thanks Doc, for putting into words the feelings—of those who love the forests. Keeping it simple but with hardworking scientific data, and the Mycorrhiza of mankind. Beautifully written book that I thoroughly enjoyed. To know nature is to sleep with the bears and slumber to their breathing. Peace . . . and thank you.
Just finished reading this wonderful book. It expanded my knowledge and understanding about an unfamiliar topic to me. But this is no longer the case. There is a new hunger to make a difference for the next generations. Thanks for all your courage in pushing back against established truths.
I genuinely enjoyed reading “Finding the Mother Tree”. It taught me a lot about the life of trees and of forests, taking me back to my youth in the French Vosges forest where I grew up. Thank you. Jean-Claude.
Dear Dr Simard
Great read :-). It is just so obvious to me now, that the natural systems that have (and are) evolving should emulate our human evolution.
Just finished reading “Finding the Mother Tree”. Still reading book on Semiotics. The connection is this: semiotics teaches us how we privilege our human/cultural viewpoints when seeking to communicate. It may be that when we seek to communicate with trees, we do so expecting their pieces of the jigsaw to match with ours. Hubris on our part. It may be that the trees are already/ have been for eons nattering, laughing and joking, with us, seeking to teach us. Maybe the aboriginal peoples spoke the language of trees but couldn’t translate it directly into human language, preferring to learn and implement their lessons in the practicality of everyday life.
Suzanne’s work may well be a step in the direction of us humbly seeking to communicate with trees acknowledging their “suchness”. It certainly felt that way to me. Wouldn’t it be life changing if we could decloak ourselves from our selves, our culture, our humanity and plug directly into the forests?
Thank you Suzanne and all those who have worked with you to keep pressing this so needed/important message to us.
As canoeing along rivers in New Brunswick for many years with members of the Hannan family whose grandfather was a guide/guardian of the Northern NB forest with a diary of early NB forest management. A true guardian not recognized for his work.
Your book places him as you as a lover of forest thank you for your great book.
My Canadian family gave me ‘The Mother Tree’ as a gift, and it is an incredible book to read. The science explained how the author conceived and documented every tree connection , bringing us through the process of investigation as it unfolded. Explanations were clear and made the science behind the conclusions accessible and compelling. The struggle against entrenched misconceptions and willful ignorance in the lumber industry were heartbreaking but the author’s perseverance was inspirational. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to know how science illuminates our world and enriches our future if managed with courage and humanity. Thank you so much, Suzanne Simard.
Have any of the timber companies (and I am particularly thinking about Western Washington lowlands) left corners or other bits of a clearcut with Alder and other native shrub/trees with a little, some, a lot remaining. Or are they afraid to do so.
It’s a wonderful book and should be required reading for everyone on the planet!
I just read that wonderful book. Thank you very much Dr Simard, or rather, Suzanne, because from today you are one of our most admired defenders and promoters of life on this planet. I study the biodiversity of a forest in the north of Spain and his vision of the underground interrelationship between plants reinforces the intergrating vision that lovers of life have. I will spread your message.
So grateful for this book; I am working to restore a small 15-acre forest in an urban environment in Washington state, and have found several Mother Trees. I am so inspired by your work, Dr. Simard!
Such a beautiful book. Thank you for writing and sharing. We just bought some wooded land in Northern Minnesota and I am committed to maintaining a healthy forest and encouraging diversity. We don’t have a lot of land, but the land we do have is sacred and we will do whatever we can to protect it. My hope is that everyone will also do their part in whatever capacity they can. We are all connected.
Like many who have commented, I’ve had the pleasure to love and connect with trees. Thank you for Finding the Mother Tree, Dr. Simard, and for your groundbreaking research, and your perseverance and especially for your mission to show that connection can be proven scientifically. I am anxious to learn more about how to become involved with this project.
Suzanne,your book heightens my appreciation for an ancient Garry Oak growing amongst several others on land used by indigenous people for centuries on southern VAncouver Island
I call her grandmother for she is by far the largest in girth and the most twisted in Uplands Park, Victoria,BC. Would you like a photo?
Read “Finding the Mother Tree” and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I was awestruck by the pure dedication and Love Suzanne has for our forest friends. We need to implement her suggestions based on the amazing research she conducted.to stave the threat of climate change and to get back to our roots in Mother Nature. Thak you, Suzanne and all your colleagues, for this most important work you do. 🙂
My first introduction to the notion of trees communicating with each other was after a visit to Muir Woods in California 9 years ago. The tour guide explained the term “Mother tree” and I was fascinated.
A couple of years ago I was walking in the White Memorial forest in Northwestern Connecticut and the friend I was walking with mentioned the book “The Overstory.” After reading that book,I have never looked at trees or forests same since.
Recently, I heard Dr. Simard interviewed on NPR, and as often happens when I hear an interview or a book review on NPR, I buy the book! I am in the middle of reading the book and I must admit that I need to have a dictionary handy to help me with some of the technical terms, but I am absolutely loving this book and thank Dr. Simard for all of her hard work and for writing a book that even a non-expert like me can learn a lot from.
A segment of my husband’s company is devoted to educating people about climate change. We have been listening to interviews and podcasts about Dr. Simard and hope one day to be able to attend a lecture. I am hooked!
We can’t wait for the documentary to come out! Thank you Dr. Simard for instilling in me a love for forests and mychorriza!
I finished this book last night and was amazed by it! What I love is that Dr. Simard walks you through her process of discovering how trees communicate. Really hooked me in that way!
Finished the book last night. I feel so happy I could learn more about the forests that I love and am very grateful for the support they bring to my life and the lives of my children. I leave in a country in Europe where old growth forests are very rare. Hopefully, through books such as yours, people will become more aware of the connections the Nature has developed over millennia, her intelligence and survival capacity. And, hopefully, more young saplings will have the chance to turn into Mother Trees. Lastly, in spite of our limitations, I hope we will be able to listen and learn from the wisdom of Mother Trees. We are all connected. Thank you Dr. Simard!
Suzanne, I am relieved and grateful you had overcome being so unwell, while still expressing your passion and brilliance toward ecological matters.
My father, Walter R. Mitchell, is succumbing to Alzheimer’s. He worked under Allen Vyse and team.
I hope I can communicate with you someday, even in person.
Best,
Scotty Moon Mitchell
Planning, preparing to present on Champion Trees Around the World and Mother trees at UC Cincinnati, OH. In April & May. Can mycorrhizal fungi be replicated in classroom by
“citizen scientists”; Then used in planting the above seedlings for successful growth.
Just finished reading “Finding the Mother Tree” and am overcome with gratitude that Dr. Simard has given us this gift. Thank you so very much!
I am delighted that a major Publisher, AllenLane , released your book in Britain too; I have read and been very moved by your writing, and by your determination in the face of ignorant objectors. I wish you continued good fortune in spreading enlightenment!
Vive la forêt! Thank you, Dr. Simard, for your bravery, curiosity, intelligence, and commitment. I loved this book and especially enjoyed the audiobook version (narrated by the good doctor herself). I am so glad to read others’ responses to the book and to feel the community of fellow tree lovers, professional and amateur alike.
I loved reading “Finding the Mother Tree.” I was aware of the interconnections between fungal nets and tree roots, but the research by Suzanne Simard verifies the communications and intelligence present in these relationships that create what I call a “living-world.” I am happy to contribute to this project and look forward to learning more from its leaders about our eco-choices.
I just finished reading Finding the Mother Tree. As others have commented, this book has everything. I grew up in NH with a forest near my house. My grandfather took me for walks in the woods until I was able to find my way alone. We recently moved to Washington state and are so fortunate to be surrounded by huge Douglas firs and red cedars. I want to learn more about our local environment. Wonderful book!
The Boreal Forest is being destroyed for short term profits. Hopefully word gets out about Suzannes findings on the importance of Mother Trees and preserving the oils. On the clearcuts around here there is 40 to 60% site damage. Last year in the drought when all the ground plants were shrivelled up they sprayed with glysophate. Seems like insanity drives the system. Thanks for your sane and well researched plea for the forest. It is the first step in releasing the planet from the industrial feudalism of the forestry companies and government. Spread those French Canadian roots of the la famille Simard. Vive la foret
Excellent information! I hope to use this in continuing to develop our farm forest! I understand so much more now as to why some plots aren’t doing as well as others.
I am franchement lector
Je wesh havé à translate in french langage
Thanks.
I just finished, and it prompted me to register for a master naturalist land steward course from my local ag extension.
Inspirational! I graduated in Bio/Eco 28yrs ago, became disillusioned with decision makers disregarding evidence and changed field. I am finally finding on my way back to Ecology with a rekindled fire and am teaching the importance of soil biodiversity again!
I am inspired by Dr Simard’s courage and resilience in the face of such resistance to her ground-breaking research and current Project. The book was thrilling! Hopefully it will awaken human beings throughout our world. You are a hero!
Your News letters seem to fizzle out in April 21.
I have signed up for News letters but nothing has happened. I hope your work was
not totally burned by the excessive heat wave.
I have read your book and was inspired. Looking into other microrhizal benefits in other
growing situations.
Just finished your book, bought near the Galloway forest park in Scotland. Too often while travelling through the area I saw the destruction of clear cut hills. Reading this book confirms that it is not just sentimental to abhor that destruction, it is damaging and so shortsighted. We have to do better. Thank you for the wisdom, passion and the evidence you have devoted your life to discovering.
I was given Finding the Mother Tree as a gift and having just finished it 5 min ago, I will be gifting it to a good friend who is an Environmental Engineer. She’s constantly battling for the protection of wildlife and their habitat and I’m so proud of her. This book made me smile, broke my heart, and gave me hope. Well done, Dr. Simard. It couldn’t have been easy to write but I for one appreciate you and your work. The world needs more you.
Given the book, “Reading the Woods”, by Vinson Brown, when I was 10, from my grandmother, back in 1970. Now being given “Finding the Mother Tree”, in my 60’s, I am saddened by Mankind’s slow-to-react, dominion-over-harmony (and Nature) attitude and thank god for people like Dr.Suzanne Simard. Thank you for your perseverance
Finaly someone thinks like a mountain! Leopold said that diversity create stability. You explain how and why in the forest..
Amazing book, researcher and person. Congratulations Suzanne!
I just finished reading Finding the Mother Tree. It was a huge eye opener for me. When I go back into the Sunshine Coast forests, I will look at them with a completely new perspective. I am so grateful that there are some people out there using science to really listen to nature. It really gives me hope that we can fix the awful damage that we’ve done to our planet.
Many thanks for the work of your life ,Its a good andgreat project for your family and the Earth . You hear your intuition and you follow the way of your life with tenacity y confiance Bravo ,Bravo ,Bravo
The nature thanks you much ,the trees y the mother trees are proud of you ,the children and allthe men of the world thank you for your presence extraordinaire i was with you reading and mowing in the forest wonderfull with gratitude Herveline
I just finished her book. It was beautiful. I have built a food forest on my 1/4 acre yard and for the first time, I was able to understand how the hyphae connections work. I felt like the trees were living, intelligent beings. Now it’s confirmed. My backyard forest is only 3 years old. But I’ve had the trees double in size. It’s unbelievable how I get 6’ + of new growth on every fruit tree I plant in the first year.
I’ve always “inoculated” the roots with Mycos, a mycelium stimulating product designed for gardens. I saw how effective it was, and now I know why. Mycelium inoculant, combined with heavy wood chip mass, exploded growth of topsoil. And now it makes sense.
The book will have a place oh my bookshelf forever. It will be a reference for years to come.
Sometimes I lose my fight to depression when I see the human footprint on the planet. But then people like this give me hope that some people are initiating change.
Thank you Dr. Simard. Having just finished your book, I’ll stay connected via the newsletter and see what I can do to put the findings of your research into practice locally. Thank you.
Every soul needs to read this book of wisdom. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
Nico from Germany. Love your book and your speech for the trees. Hope we can start a similar project here in the black forest. Love
Nico